Liverpool Banter Archive June 01 2014

01 Jun 2014 22:46:34
Here are so stats for fun.
La liga
Aspas 25
Games 34 Goals 12 assists 7
Celta vigo season goals scored 37

Griezmann 23
Games 34 goals 16 asissts 3
Real S season goals scored 64

Griezmann might be 2 years younger but it was aspas's first season in la liga and he was in a far less creative team.

Anyone else find that intersting?

Yes, But there is a reason these players are valued as they are, and your statistics don't reflect that.

Griezmann is a winger though, not a striker like Aspas, and there's more to a player than Goals and Assists.

01 Jun 2014 23:31:13
Not really, Griezmann is a winger and Aspas was the teams main striker.

I saw aspas play at camp Nou 2 Decembers back, and was very impressed! Mascha and alba were arguing because of the problems he caused and he made the goal they scored, although they lost 4-1. He was the best player on the pitch first half, messi's kid was born on the night before the match so was probably up all night lol.

Messi, ronaldo, hazard all have out scored team mates playing on the wings. Yes they are all big names, but that is off the top of my head, so i'm sure their are lots of other that have done the same that I can't remember.
Seem to remember hearing that aspas played through the middle and on the left flank that year.
I am not saying aspas is a success nor am I saying he is a flop.
How long would griezman get if he didn't hit the ground running(take into account that he would cost about twice as much as aspas)?

01 Jun 2014 21:46:50
whats all this talk of "spending Suarez Money"?

01 Jun 2014 22:30:55
I think Ed was implying that the players people were asking about would only be possible, financially, if Suarez was sold.

02 Jun 2014 08:24:36
Ed002's just being a big tease, probably an exasperated response to all the stupid questions she is dealing with. Or maybe she's a bit tetchy as the Canesten hasn't quite kicked in yet.

01 Jun 2014 21:42:31
Banter please lads (and lasses),
If you were able to tell BR a transfer tip for this current window, what would it be? Also who would you sign that we haven't looked at?

For me? Domenico criscito. Excellent solid left back and all round good guy. Extremely underrated and had said good things about Liverpooland English football in the past.

Nevada

Liverpooland is that a new theme park?

My transfer tip would be to get rid of Glen Johnson.

My rather ambitious transfer target would be to make AC Milan a large offer for Mattia De Sciglio.

Get rid of Johnson, play flanno, it would be travesty if he doesn't start next season, and send the wrong message to any aspiring youth players. Have a great season and start sub when we buy players.

02 Jun 2014 10:23:49
Concentrate on getting the defense sorted!

Mehdi Benatia.

01 Jun 2014 21:34:48
QPR looks like they are interested in Glen Johnson, let's just hope they put a formal bid in and we see the end to his useless efforts in the LFC shirt,

{Ed002's Note - Get the trash out of the club eh? Another Liverpool waster soon to be gone.}

I don't doubt his talent, just his execution of it, his decision making is shocking and sometimes looks like utter garbage, I rather have a no name that is busting a gut to atleast get a proper cross in than to have GJ "best RB in England" just strolling along taking in the sights while driving miss daisey, he should do well at QPR

Well said scousebloodred.

The majority of LFC fans and anyone who watches the game knows exactly what you mean.

Johnson has been a disgrace.

He makes no effort whatsoever, he shirks challenges, headers and responsibility, and is the laziest, least committed footballer to play for us since N'Gog. To think of how much we pay him is pretty sickening.

If I see him lazily lose the ball in an advanced area, and just jog back oblivious to what is happening on the pitch, I think I'll go bonkers.

The only reason he's still at the club is because no-one in the right mind would meet his wage demands.

Like you said. Perfect for QPR.

My god scousebloodred you have cracked it, you genius.

If there is one team willing to pay the wages, where johnson would be comfortable in an environment ofmplayers like him, it is QPR. That is the only place he could go and by god I hope he goes there.

Aren't we going a little bit too far calling GJ a disgrace on one hand, then calling for Mascherano back on the other.

Mascherano is a disgrace.

GJ just hasn't lived up to his potential.
It's not always the players fault and from where I've been watching I've never doubted his commitment to the club.

02 Jun 2014 08:25:02
If he was that bad Rodgers would drop him. And Hodgson wouldn't pick him. Frustrating at times yes but a good player who seems to be in fans sights. Every summer someone drops into the deadwood spot. If it wasn't Glen it would be Skrtel. Then Lucas. Then Allen. If Lambert doesn't score for 2 games he will get it. I'm with Ed002 on this one. Embarassing.

01 Jun 2014 21:13:55
Hi eds can I just ask about Ricky Lambert how come our interest was so quiet? Did it just come out the blue? Or is it good work by the club not to let out our targets?

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea.}

01 Jun 2014 21:44:00
Remember Assaidi?. And the Big Greek during Rafa's time

01 Jun 2014 20:56:41
Question for the eds, one they may not choose to answer which is understandable.

I understand you hate talking about finances and why, so i'll leave numbers out of it. Ed002 and Ed001 have regularly stated that the club is making losses on a daily basis. Could you explain how this is happening? Obviously we still have debts to pay off but the we are a very large club with a large fanbase, so the only reason I can think of is that our players are overpaid for such a regular loss of money- only that I thought most of the culprits had been shipped off?

Could you clear up our cash flow problem for us all, eds, not with numbers just where all the money is going.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has since the owners have taken over spent more than they have earned. Transfers, wages, agent fees, stadium ....}

Cheers ed, i'll leave it there

01 Jun 2014 20:55:53
Ed002, it sounds like Enrique is off this summer. Who holds an interest in him? Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - I can't think of any right now.}

01 Jun 2014 20:42:33
hey eds! in regards to Moreno, you got me kinda worried after mentioning Chelsea pulled the plug. I know you said its not up for discussion, but what would prompt, any team for that matter, to walk away from a deal, besides medical issues.

Don't you think the price Sevilla slapped for a 21 year old boy, whose best attributes are going forward is way too much.
BR is taking a big risk with this signing, let's hope he turns out to be a Success.

I agree harry. I think we'd be better served looking elsewhere.

01 Jun 2014 22:48:02
Chelsea probably dropped their interest because there are more defensively capable left backs for the money they were after.

{Ed002's Note - Gosh, really?}

Wel yes ed, Chelsea obviously value defensive capabilities more than attacking ones.

{Ed002's Note - I just thought you were making it up.}

02 Jun 2014 10:08:27
Ed001 says our medicals are very thorough. If he has some sort of medical problem that we thought could incapacitate his performance, we will not make the deal. So, I wouldn't worry about medical issues.

02 Jun 2014 12:46:17
Conbicks your telepathy seems to be on the fritz, Chelsea had agree a deal for Moreno, who was their 1st choice LB but another mysterious factor put them off.

01 Jun 2014 20:38:12
ssn 14:58 Sunday the 1st of June.

Roy Hodgson believes Rickie Lambert's impending move to Liverpool from Southampton will benefit England.

''When he plays you will see a fella running around with all the joy that his heart can muster because he is very happy to be with England and he's very happy that the move to Liverpool has gone through.''

01 Jun 2014 19:53:28
any interest in toprak eds?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

01 Jun 2014 19:25:07
Congratulations to Joe Allen for being named Wales captain for the forthcoming match against Holland, even though the welsh squad is so decimated by injury that i'm expecting a call up myself at 43! Big honour to be selected as captain and a sign of recognition

01 Jun 2014 17:11:17
Ed001 my good man, can i.ask do you know what is likely to happen with glen johnson? He was quite sloppy during the england game, he has awful concentration and I feel he could have an awful WC. i'd like to think young Flanagan will be our regular RB next season with Moreno LB. he's the one of the dew players in the game that can have a run of bad games but still retains his spot.

{Ed001's Note - unfortunately, we have been open to offers for Johnson for years and still we have him. It was a mistake to extend his contract, imo, rather than just letting him go on a free and giving the spot to a youngster. I expect he will see out the season, hopefully he will start playing for a contract and we can get a season out of him showing some real effort. As we all know he is a quality player, when he can be bothered. Then let him go next season to be replaced by any of Flanno, Wisdom, Kelly and McLaughlin. That seems to be the most likely scenario for him.}

01 Jun 2014 19:30:13
Could not agree more Big Al. Johnson has been a millstone for about 3 seasons now, but we simply have not been able to replace him because didn't have the financial clout to do so. Thankfully the likes of the players Ed001 mentioned are ready to step up, so it looks good for the future. McLaughlin in particular is an exciting prospect. I must confess my bias, I'm Northern Irish.

Hes like a right back adebayor. Has all the ability and can show he is worth a spot when it matters to him, but not nearly often enough

01 Jun 2014 18:41:02
I think Kono would be our biggest Miss in recent times after Turan. He is a perfect fit.

For once Home fan I may agree with you :)

02 Jun 2014 10:01:37
I disagree.

01 Jun 2014 18:13:07
Congratulations to Joe Allen on wearing the armband for Wales vs Holland.

01 Jun 2014 19:17:18
Yep well done joe, perhaps a recognition for some great performances this season

Think we'll see some great stuff from him next year :)

01 Jun 2014 17:36:57
Lambert could be a shrewd signing, very capable of coming off the bench to give us something different and for the cup games. He'l also provide strong competition for Suarez and Sturridge. i'd like to see Borini come back as well at least for one more season. We were every lucky last year that suarez and sturridge didn't have any lengthy injuries (bar the suarez ban) and if that does happen this year, we'l need the backup strikers. Given his goals and assists record last year I also feel its a bit premature to start bashing the player before he's even kicked a ball for us. Finally, Lambert understands that suarez and sturridge are the top 2 strikers at the club so I doubt he's going to kick up much of a fuss at the fact he's not starting anymore. all in all, a great squad player and for what seems like a relatively small transfer fee

01 Jun 2014 16:53:22
Just wanted to pass on some information we've known for a few days already.

This is Roy Hodgson speaking, "Yes, I congratulate him. And I congratulate Liverpool signing a good player."

"When he plays you will see a fella running around with all the joy that his heart can muster because he is very happy to be with England and he's very happy that the move to Liverpool has gone through, " Hodgson added.

This is on Rickie Lambert of course aha.

He must be delighted to sign. Will be very useful next season! YNWA

01 Jun 2014 13:49:23
Eds,
if deal for Lallana cannot be done within this week, is lfc will move on or expect him to put transfer request?

Diame or Salih Ucan seems like a good option for our midfield. why not 5m for Diame and the rest of the money goes to left winger signing. the way I see it we need center mid with physical body and good dribble skills.

How close moreno deal? any other club put bid beside us?

Do you expect lfc will bid for Lovren to replace Agger? or lfc have other target in mind like Ashley Williams since we already have Sakho for long term.

sorry for a lot of Qs.

tqvm eds.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool can do whatever they wish about Lallana. Obviously Chelsea had a deal in place for Moreno but walked away - nobody else is interested. Liverpool has already had a verbal offer for Lovren rejected.}

If I see Ashley Williams name being mentioned on here again as a possible signing I will eat my phone, that is all

Lol@IRISH KENNY7.

I was thinking the same thing.

01 Jun 2014 16:02:35
Any reds here seen this Moreno play? Can't say I've seen him myself wondering what he's like defensively? Going off youtube I can see he is good attacking quite powerful for a kid.
So my question,, I'm all for the modern attacking fullback style but IMO a defender must defend first unlike say Johnson,, has he got the tools?

Madrid and Chelsea wanted him. Imo he will be a superstar LB ;)

01 Jun 2014 17:29:04
That should have been one reason, Jose decided not to bid for him. He is excellent going forward. But pretty ordinary in defending (As much as I have seen).

01 Jun 2014 17:00:50
He is a bit like Brad Smith actually; maybe not as fast and powerful.

I personally think Moreno is over rated. I don't see what he could offer that Brad Smith cannot do aside from the ability to smash a gigantic hole into our bank account. Willing to give him a chance and he is certainly not a bad player. Just not as great as people seem to think. He is still only 21 though.

01 Jun 2014 14:56:08
Fabregas better than lalanna?! don't think so!
{Ed001's Note - I am not convinced by Shaqiri, though I haven't had a chance to watch him since he moved to Bayern, so he could have improved during his time there. I would be ambivalent about him.

Lallana is clearly an excellent player, but the pricetag does seem excessive.

I am with you on the next four. Remy and Fabregas just aren't good enough to be regular starters. Fabregas just wouldn't be what we need, he lacks the pace for a fast break, the vision for a deep lying role and the defensive discipline and positioning required for a normal midfield role. }

Fabregas is coming 28, demands 150k.wages and lalanna is a superior player for our team and system' lallana is 26, on half his wages and is a far better.player imo. Fabregas is decent when he is given a free role which.he will not be given here' even.if.we don't get lalanna I surely hope we don't waste our money.on fabregas'

{Ed001's Note - Lallana is on a little below a third of Fabregas's wages actually.}

Edd001 really? I thinj he would get a bit of a pay rise playing for us though still way more affordable than fabregas

I discussed this issue in relation to an earlier post by mickey b. You may not have seen it as it was an older discussion, but here's my view on the issue:

I have followed Lallana's career for a few years now, and can recall when he was called the 'Messi of the Championship' and began attracting attention. But £25m is outlandish considering what he offers.

That Lallana was shortlisted for player of the year (as stated by TigerXL15) in the EPL does little to convince me tbh.

I realise that such awards are largely driven by campaigns in the English media and are voted on by footballers, who (not to be insulting) are not renowned for being an intelligent bunch. They are an easily influenced crowd for sure.

I can even recall Ryan Giggs being named footballer of the year after a media love-in campaign a few years back. He played a few average games that year, and scored a deflected goal. 'Genius' they proclaimed, 'what a player!', and the players of the EPL all ran from the tattoo shop to join the clamour (sorry, got a little sick in my mouth there). He's a 'top, top player' they said.

I'd suggest that Lallana should not even be in PFA side of the year tbh.

That David Silva was not named in the side was pretty blinkered. If their nationalities were switched, I feel that David Silva would have been in the side every time.

Tbh, I'd rather a front 3 of Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling than to play Lallana, and I reckon Coutinho has more potential at the tip of a diamond style setup.

But that said, I'd welcome the additional depth that Lallana would provide.

I totally agree that when at Arsenal Cesc was a great midfielder, considered world-class in his position.

He has not been at his best for Barca, which explains reluctance to spend a fortune on him, but bear in mind that although not at his best, and not considered primarily as an attacker, he scored and assisted more than Lallana last year (by some distance too).

Fabregas cannot play the Lucas role that Gerrard currently occupies.

Likewise, Fabregas cannot play the Hendo role, not a chance. That leaves the 3rd midfield spot up for grabs, which would indeed suit Fabregas' style.

If we were to play a diamond, we have Sterling and Coutinho to play the advanced role. Nevermind that youngsters like Suso and Teixeira are coming through also. I don't think this is Fabs best pposition at all.

In a nutshell, Fabregas is not the most versatile of players. And he would be very expensive.

I think a lot here realise that Fabregas would cost an absolute fortune. Not only in his transfer fee, but in wages too. For me, that's the real problem. The sticking point is largely financial.

If he were available for less, I would love to sign him as a starter in a midfield trio with Gerrard and Hendo, he'd be great playing there in a diamond with Coutinho/Sterling starting too imo.

A valid reason why many may state they would prefer Lallana is that they may feel we need an attacking player who can play across the wider areas upfront, or as an experienced option to play on the tip of a diamond. Someone who can help take the pressure of the likes of Coutinho and Sterling, rather than signing another central midfield player. A reasonable argument tbh.

As with the OP, I don't think Lallana is worth the money being touted either, BUT he is a good player alright, and his two-footed style could really suit our game.

I trust BRs judgement, and if we sign Lallana, I hope that he proves a great signing! Few (if any) would have foreseen the rise and rise of Sturridge, so BR has earned my trust.

I have liked his signings for bigger money (£10m+) such as Sakho, Mignolet, Allen, Borini and Sturridge and feel they all play their part in the campaign next year.

Overall, the OP 'Mickey b' does make some very valid points. I feel people are a bit blinkered with dismissing the abilities of Fabregas, and that people are overplaying Lallana's abilities, in part because he seems a likely arrival.

As the OP intimates:

If Lallana went to Spurs, would we really worry about them? I would not.

I would not lose any sleep over it either. There are a lot of players who are as good as, if not better than, Lallana, who are available for less money.

By the same token, if Fabregas were to sign, I'd bet his detractors here here would be signing a different tune, and would be giddy with excitement, hoping that Fab can bring our game up another level.

It won't happen due to finances imho, but for arguments sake, if Fabregas signed, I'd be salivating at the thought. He would walk into our starting XI.

I'm sure he will be getting a pay rise at us though ed. But yeah I agree I would rather have Lallana over fabregas. Although I rate both highly.

I think Lallana is worth whatever we will pay for him. I think he's a future captain off Liverpool. For me he definitely deserved to be in the team of the year ahead of Silva I think Silva still gets plaudits for what he did in his first year in the prem.

Fabregas to me would be a terrible waste of money. I always thought he was complimented well by flamini and hleb who did the dirty and hard work. I wouldn't go near him.

With regards to sturridge, I think his talent was there for all to see. it was his greed and ''stubborn'' personality that put teams off. BR and the coaching staff have done well to integrate him and get him playing as a unit.

01 Jun 2014 13:58:47
hi eds and reds

my point about fabregas is proved if you watch youtube, I know it only shows the best bits but his best bits are better than lallana's, I also don't think fabregas will expect the same wages as he gets in spain, plus i'm sure lallana will want more wages than he is getting at soton, only man city or chelsea could pay a lot of wages, but in sure our wage bill was one of the highest at one time,

this is the last i'm going to say about the matter, its fabregas for me instead of lallana,

{Ed001's Note - they are completely different players, ridiculous to compare a skilful player who can play multiple positions with a one dimensional midfielder like Fabregas, who can't even be trusted to play without cover in midfield. I know people will make idiotic excuses for him flopping in Spain, with the Xavi and Iniesta ahead of him what chance does he have crap. Simply that is complete hokum as Xavi has longstanding issues that mean he can't play as regularly as he has been forced to because Fabregas wasn't good enough.}

I'm not sure you can label fabregas a flop in Spain. That seems a tad harsh given he scored 42 goals and 48 assists in 3 seasons there. Regardless of who is around him they are impressive stats. and not a bad return on money invested.

You seem to be overly critical on this one IMO

Hi eds 001

thanks for your reply, but I just don't think lallana will be as good for Liverpool has he was for soton, because there the team was built around him, at Liverpool this won't happen plus he had a free role at soton which he won't get at Liverpool, so what will be his best position and can he be diciplined enough to play very good in this position

01 Jun 2014 08:09:14
Good morning, question for Ed 001 please,

I saw in one of your posts a few days ago that you were highly critical of fabregas if the reported interest is true (which I don't believe it is) how would you feel about us signing him? I competition agreed with all your comments and in addition to that really don't see a need for a competely one dimensional CM when we already have Gerrard, lucas, Allen, Henderson, coutinho and sterling who can all play there but are all better at it.

Nevada

{Ed001's Note - I would be disappointed with the signing of Fabregas, ridiculous wages, ridiculous price and just doesn't fit our needs. Though I would hope he would prove me completely wrong and be brilliant for us.}

Ed do we even have a chance of signing of him given his fee and wages? Heck are we even interested without selling suarez

{Ed001's Note - unlikely without selling Suarez, though his wages aren't that ridiculous I am told. He is one of the lower paid members of the team apparently.}

01 Jun 2014 13:29:04
If I could ask, what do Southampton want for lallana?

{Ed002's Note - We don't discuss money.}

01 Jun 2014 13:43:00
Word is it's 30mil, seems unreasonable, hope he hands in a transfer request.

Money I guess

They don`t want chocolates, that`s for sure.

Runour has they want Rodgers dentist to move south as part of the deal but Brendan is having none of it. He's hoping a compromise of giving them the massive self portrait he displays in his gaff might be an acceptable compromise.

01 Jun 2014 13:21:48
Any truth that LFC are looking at a Exeter City's Matt Grimes for the academy?

01 Jun 2014 12:21:39
rumoured that sunderland going to offer 10 mil for borini. if its true would you guys sell him?

01 Jun 2014 13:13:26
Yes I would mate

With lambert coming in I would too. i'd get rid of borini and aspas. try bringing up a striker from the academy

I would keep for sure. He is a very good impact player and has got a good eye for goal and premiership experience. We will not get anyone else and while I would love to see some of our younger players get a chance we need at least 4 proven strikers

I'd keep him. Think he is massively underrated myself. A strikeforce of Suarez, Sturridge, Lambert and Borini would be excellent.

He deserves a chance. He can play up to or in wide areas and nothing toughens you up mentally than a relegation scrap and he was one of the heros of sunderland`s great escape. Also scored the goal that ended Chelsea`s title hopes. He`s a legend in Sunderland and that should count for something.

01 Jun 2014 15:21:58
He got to stay.
Brendan has plans for him.
He is still young 22?
If Brendan can improve Borini's game the same way as he has Studge's.? If he can Borini has the potential to be a very useful player.

01 Jun 2014 16:52:36
I would let him go if an offer like that is made. I think it best fro all parties considering he will struggle to make the match day squad next season with Lambert and another attacking player coming in.

01 Jun 2014 11:54:08
If Barca came in for Suarez I think I'd be happy with Sanchez And fabregas and a few million, I think they are better than any players Madrid would offer us! Sturridge would then play as a lone striker in a 433 kind if formation which would make him happier! I know he's not on the same level as Suarez but he's probably a better finisher and with sterling and Sanchez either side of him we'd stil have sasas haha!

01 Jun 2014 13:15:50
Yeh but he's never going to be fit for a full season. We should've won the league last year,,, you don't sell your best player, you add to what you've already got and win it this time. Ridiculous people saying we should even consider selling the best player in the league

If Barca comes with an offer, And the player wishes to move. Then I ll sell him at Sanchez + cash.
Sturridge is world class striker, whose benefiting from the Genius Suarez. Look at his assists.
His miss against Arsenal. the pass from Suarez (Header) is just exceptional.
If we buy Sanchez and play him with Suarez and Sturridge, we would defo win one title next season.

You can't say we would win the league if we had those players?
Well you can, and I guess you did but I don't think its that simple

Hindsight is useless when talking football because NOBODY knows what would have happened if this or that had or hadn`t happened. Period!

I agree with DBol. Totally.

01 Jun 2014 12:57:14
I know its just pure speculation at the moment but if Johnson was to leave the club would he need to be replaced? Personally I think between Flanno, Kelly and maybe Wisdom (if he gets another chance) they could carry us til at least January and then if there is a problem it can be addressed.

On another note I really hope Suso gets at least pre season to prove to Rodgers his worth to the team.

01 Jun 2014 13:18:08
There are people who sit in the front row of the Kop who could replace Johnson . Seriously , let's hope next season we have a professional footballer fully committed to the club playing at right-back , so that rules Johnson out .

01 Jun 2014 13:54:25
Dont think so, Johnson will see out his contract. He won't be moving

Ritters with the body blows, harsh but sadly for the most part true. Johnson is a infuriating player because he has all the talent any right back could need but he doesn't use it, he coasts through far too many games and costs the team far too many goals. I saw the first half of the England game and the same mistake were getting made, sprinting forward, wandering into the middle and then jogging back forcing someone to come over and cover for him. I'm really not one for criticizing Liverpool players, in fact i'll never lay the boot into any player trying his best but his best just isn't quite good enough i.e Cissokho but someone who gets paid very handsomely just phoning it in most weeks needs to be moved on.

01 Jun 2014 15:30:24
To true

01 Jun 2014 11:17:14
Hi eds, a question regarding Suso.

Just seen that Sevilla don't want him as part of a deal for Moreno and want cash only, so I suppose it's pretty irrelevant now. But I'd be interested to know if the club were offering him permanently or on loan to Sevilla?

I personally love Suso and think it would be a mistake to let him go permanently.
Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know Joe.}

In the Liverpool echo it said he would go on loan, susuo is from there

01 Jun 2014 13:47:14
Well he's from Cádiz butt close enough.

01 Jun 2014 11:11:54
I'm hearing we have made a formal bid for Shaqiri. Any truth to this?

Also, anybody know what kind of basic wages Lambert has been signed on?

01 Jun 2014 10:43:23
Eds, there seems to be growing speculation that LFC are making a move for Seydou Keita. Some reports are suggestng that should this go through, the transfer could be as influential as that of Gary McAllister's signing some years ago. Have you heard more on this?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

01 Jun 2014 10:59:40
Is it just me or would anybody else rather just bring Suso back from loan and save the money by not buying Lallana?

Cheers

I would definitely like to see Suso back next season. However he is still young and I would only see him as a squad player.

I feel we do need to bring in a top attacking midfielder, but £20-30m is too high for Lallana.

I like him as a player, and i'm all for English talent but for that price I feel we could do better.

Red Rum

I would love to keep suso but he is not currently of the same quality of lallana. I would love lallana and think he is the perfect fit but hope and think LFC will be sensible about the limit they will offer southampton. £25 million for me should be the absolute most offered

Rather? No. I think Lallana is of a higher calibre right now. Would I be dissapointed if we just gave Suso a chance? No. It'd save us money and who knows; Suso could take the league by storm next season.

I would
though I would use it the money to buy an out andoout winger ala Shaqiri/Konoplyanka

As much as I would like to see the youngsters given a chance, we do need some extra quality and experience. Having said that, I would be more inclined to sort out the defensive areas before any kind of attacking purchases, safe in the knowledge that there are plenty of players looking to step up.

I agree with both posts, yes suso is young but he is good enough, he played against real madrid and barca last season and he can hold his head high, he never looked out of place in those games . I just don't want to lose his talent just because lallana is all the trend now,

Not to that extent. Lallana is a very good player but most people think 20 million is valuation enough.

konoplyanka might be a better buy and will probably be cheaper and emre can can be the extra defensive midfeilder.

You have me on that one ToonRed, we have 3 able players waiting to assume the role, unless lallana pulls some kind of bale like strop and forces a move, which he wont, I don't see us getting him for a reasonable price. he's not even worth 20 million really imo.

Suso's season wasn't half as good as everyone said, he really petered out and was a sub a lot of the time. I think Lallana, for now at least, is a much better player, although we are slightly overpaying.

01 Jun 2014 12:29:57
But one is ready for first 11 & the other isn't. What would you spend the money on? Or stuff it under the mattress?

01 Jun 2014 12:43:53
I like Suso very much but I would send him out on loan to a BPL team that plays good football. I rate Lallana highly but I wouldn't pay over £25m for him and would rather move on from him and buy another CAM.

I will say roughly the outlay of the transfer fee for Lallanais would be similar to buying Konoplyanka and Can (based upon £15m + £10m - if these are correct).

Suso is mardy & lazy that is what's holding him back he doesn't have the work rate to play in our midfield or the quality to play on the wing. He can go play some where else like mourinho did with Mata

We can have Suso as squad player, bring in Shaqiri and still use the rest of the money that would have been used for Lallana to pay for Lambert's fee.

Slightly overpaying?

Fellaini 27m
Matic 24m
Mata 35-40m
Lamela 30m
Ozil 42m

Just a few recent purchases from our main rivals that would suggest a player of Lallanas quality is very much in this ball-park.

01 Jun 2014 10:07:07
Morning Eds hope all is well. Can I just ask 1 simple question please and that is with all the money's that we have received from TV rights sponsors etc I make it to a combined total of 150 odd million surely and the money's from champions league next year fsg have got to give rogers a lot of this cash. We need top top players this summer to follow on from 2013/14 season as I think we will be behind city united arsenal and Chelsea if we do not spend a vast amount on top players. Rogers has put us back on the map with transfers now and I just hope fsg give him what I think he 100% deserves.

{Ed002's Note - You do understand that the club has debts that need to be paid off and it is this money that helps pay for the player's wages, the other staff and the running of the club? This is another example of why we don't discuss money.}

01 Jun 2014 09:22:21
Eds, what's up with will hughes?

{Ed002's Note - He has been a little quiet over breakfast but I am sure he will perk up after taking the dog for a walk.}

I've heard he's been writing socio-political poetry, and the weight of his philosophical words have left him a shell of a man.

01 Jun 2014 18:17:51
haha lols. Ed002, Magnificent

01 Jun 2014 09:13:14
Plymouth Red, you've never seen me post anything positive, ok that's your opinion and your entitled to it, I continuously slate BR, WRONG! Show me one post were I've criticised the manager, I've said from day 1 that he wouldn't have been my choice but I will back/support him for the same length of time that KD received, and I have and he did very well last season ( whoops a positive end to that sentence. )

I've not slated the players, I've questioned certain signings when there on the verge of signing, not the players themselves but the fees or quality of player where going to sign, once they play on the pitch I'm right behind them and when I'm at the match I scream and shout encouragement, but if you think that's slating the players then that's your prerogative.

Now to the owners, check my history because I've given extensive reasons why I despise these owners many times before so I would urge you to use the search function as the Ed's say.

Frankly Mr Shankly, I'm a Man U fan, trust me on this, if I was on the Stretford End and spoke, I wouldn't get out alive. Sorry to disappoint you and Plymouth Red but I sit in the Upper centenary it used to be the Kop but I went all up market quite a few years back, when you have no point to make lads try not to revert to type and post things like your a manc or go support someone else if you dare question anything Liverpool related, I could say you are probably an Argyle fan who got fed up winning nothing, FMS I don't know where you reside but I could level a similar comment to you and could posts lots of replies that would have you fuming but I won't although it is tempting.

Redohio, I've shown myself to be a fraud? care to explain that, and again could you show me a post where I've criticised and spouted drivel about BR, I spent the whole of last season being wrong on everything LFC, that must be a hell of a lot of posts, they should be easy to find so could you dig them up and show them on the site. Hatred of BR, again a totally unfounded snipe, you really have to back up what you post, so show the site my posts hating on the manager.

I would be grateful if you post Ed's as I'm merely defending myself against unfounded allegations and comments, cheers.

01 Jun 2014 09:30:34
Waro sorry mate but even when you go to games you have to admit it's hard to bite your tongue at Glen Johnson when he keeps giving the ball away. I go to games and back the players 100 percent but sometimes you just have to say why as he done that. This post is just a bit fun before anyone takes offence.

Well said WARO, well said.

Just a slight contradiction there that you've never slated players just their quality which amounts to the same surely? I haven't been looking for what you've said in the past as I couldn't care less quite honestly but you do seem to attract a lot of negative stick on here so there must be something?

01 Jun 2014 09:44:05
Mightyreds, your right it is hard not to, but that's fot the pub after the game mate,haha. While your there you bite your tongue as you say and try and encourage.

Wembley, nice one lad.

There was nothing wrong with your original post regarding Allen. In fact I posted the same question a couple of weeks ago about Mignolet.

The way that question is put immediately puts into perspective the fact that Allen (although he is a good squad player) was not worth the price paid for him. Some fans find that hard to deal with and then resort to unnecessary abuse. Sad really.

Red Rum

01 Jun 2014 10:09:54
The abuse is from both parties, the pro Allen gang, but it will be nothing that Waro can't match.

Why does a players transfer fee has to be justified by the player with his performance at all? The player cost that much because the buying club thought he was worth paying that much and because the selling club wanted that much as they believed him to be an important player for them.

There will always be players ta clubs who doesn't work out or none will need have buying players every transfer window. This happens at every club.

Lfcsam, so if we signed say tony hibbert for maybe £7million, you wouldn't question it? That's questioning what the clubs transfer poicy is, not attacking the player. You haven't read my posts but I take a lot of stick, so I must have done something. You wouldn't make a good prossicution witness sam Were do you live salem.

AG, i'm starting to sound like a broken record now but all I am saying is that we cannot afford to keep spending tons of money on players who won't immediately impact the starting XI.

As I posted further down the page, when I deemed several players flops I was referring to the fact that they haven't made an instant impact, and don't warrant the prices paid for them.

That is not to say Ilori won't become the next Tiago Silva or Alberto won't become the next Mata. Who knows what the future will hold, however we can judge them on their contribution so far.

Hope this has cleared it up for the final time.

Red Rum

01 Jun 2014 10:50:37
Red-Rum, I understand about the money issue, but Joe Allen was one of the first signings under BR 2 years ago, who has made 14 siginings so far by the way.

I understand we need to be more prudent but and I am all for it. Our transfer business has been quite poor for a while from as far back as Rafa was the manager but I think we are moving towards self sufficiency and being more prudent these days. Remember how we wouldn't over pay for Demspey, Sigurdsson, Willian, Mkhitaryan, Salah etc?

The manager clearly felt he needed a player like Allen in the team and having worked with him before, perhaps he was looking for a safe, squad player. Injuries haven't helped the young man but it wasn't long ago people were saying the same thing about Henderson. No one mentions Henderson fees anymore.

I hope he goes the same way as Henderson too. Almost all of Rodgers' signings have the potential to do well, I would just like to see us bring in one or 2 top players who will significantly improve the squad with immediate effect.

Red Rum

01 Jun 2014 11:21:31
I sometimes feel the manager is under pressure to sign players just to appease some sections of so-called support.
Judging by posts it seems to some, signing players is more important than winning football matches. Missing a perceived target or spending too much attracts more negative comments than losing a game.

Have we collectively lost our perspective somewhere. Surely it's all about performance on the pitch. We should be chilling out enjoying the summer, anticipating the World Cup, not tearing each other apart over transfers and fees.

Waro we both know that the players who are being referred to are young players with many years ahead of them and who are showing a lot of promise and will likely fit in to the teams style not Tony Hibbert who is near the end of his career and a yard dog at best. I remember when we signed Morientes after a fantastic season for Monaco and we got him for 6m and we all thought we had pulled off a masterstroke yet he wasn't the player we expected regardless of the price and then there's the likes of Sami Hyypia who cost buttons but is definitely a legend of our club, merely pointing out that a players quality before he pulls on the red shirt is irrelevant a lot of the time because we're proved wrong regularly. I could name plenty more players like this so I really don't know why we talk about transfer fees. I think a better way would be to judge a player on their performances and not take into account things out of their control like transfer fees. And no I'm not from salem I'm from Aigburth not that that matters.

Players don't have any say on their transfer fee, its out of their hands, some players take longer to ajust to a team and if its a step up from their last team maybe they are over whelmed so it take time to get up to their best, henderson was getting called all kinds by most fans and he took a season or 2 to become a team player, his transfer fee was maoned at, so I say let's give the players we buy a chance and let's judge them after playing a full season, because for me joe allen had a few good game towards the end of the season plus hendo might have been the difference from us winning the prem to finishing 2nd, we missed his energy in the middle of the park in our last 3 games

Waro, I`m still here and ready for whatever you want to post. I can take a jibe and take a hit because I dish it out as well. I like BR and apppreciate what he has achieved. He has been wrong on several issues and I have called him out on those issues as I have criticized other players and managers for not pulling their weight as well so I cannot be accused of being a blind BR lover nor LFC`s number 1 fan. I have been a fan of this great club for over 30yrs and am proud of my allegiance and will defend this club and its personel (fans, owners, players) till the end when I feel it is right. However, what I cannot stand is rank hypocrisy and being disingenuous which is what politicians do because they have a hidden agenda. You are entitled to your opinion but in your case, you don`t have an opinion. What you have is an axe to grind w/ the owners and BR and for some creepy reason Joe Allen. You slate the owners constantly even when it is clear in some instances that they have done no wrong. They are trying to ride a shipping that is struggling to stay afloat financially but you`re too blinkered to see that. Now Allen is your new target. What has he done wrong? He`s given his best, gives maximum effort and never complains and always tries to do his job w/o fear. Isn`t that that we as fans should ask for? I`m not the only one to slate you because others like Real AG for example, have called you out on your BS so I`m not alone on this island. Players have no say on their fee and sometimes it can be a burden on them but he`s a good lad and a player that I actually like. Like I said, I can't stand hypocrites (AG callled you that as well so I`m not alone) and I will be here to call you out on your BS whenever you post it so GET USED TO IT, buddy.

01 Jun 2014 08:01:57
I reckon Enrique will go to Southampton as part of the Lallana deal.

What say you?

{Ed002's Note - Their interest is elsewhere.}

Ed

Were is there interest please or which player/players do they want in with the deal?

{Ed002's Note - They don't want any Liverpool players, they want cash.}

01 Jun 2014 05:45:59
Hi eds, thanks for all the info! . lots of papers now reporting we are in for 30mil bid for fabregas one even said we are favourite to sign him, now I know it's all just rumours and I don't believe it but if the lallana deal dosent go through do you see us pushing for fabregas at all? Or are we still not interested in him at all? Thanks!

{Ed001's Note - I don't know of any interest in him from us. Maybe if he wasn't on 150k a week we might be interested, but not on ridiculous wages.}

01 Jun 2014 02:12:44
hi eds and reds

i think a lot of fans are getting carried away with how good lallana is, I asked before who would people rather have fabregas or lallana, and a good few said lallana, well people have their right to make their opinions, like me, but at the moment I think a lot of fans are wrong about what they have said about fabregas, simple reason is fabregas played for barca, would barca go in for lallana, I don't think so, when fabregas played for arsenal he was really good that's why barca went in for him, and I know barca are selling him, they are selling a lot of good players, it does not mean they have gone crap players, fans wanting pedro and tello to sign for us even sanchez as they are very good players just like cesc, I read on the rumours page spurs now want lallana and are willing to make a deal worth 30 mill, the same as cesc's buy out clause, again I would rather have cesc instead of lallana, in my opinion he is a proven player more so than lallana, he has played in better teams than lallana, I just don't get all the hype around lallana, there is better players out there for 30 mill and they are younger, I just remember how good cesc was when he played for arsenal,

i said soton would want 30 mill for lallana and that spurs would go in for him, it could be another dempsey and siguson situation, we were after them and now i'm glad we never payed what the clubs was asking for them because they did not do that well when then went to spurs, and I can see the same thing happening with lallana,

we have a choice of paying 30 mill for lallana or other players mentioned on the rumours page, I also don't think lallana is worth 30 mill even 25 mill is a bit too much for a player we will get 4 years our of, anyway time will tell if i'm right or wrong and if I am wrong I will hold my hand up and admit it, I hope now that spurs have put a bid in like that we move on

Fabregas was great at Arsenal because the whole team was built around him, at Barcelona he's been average at best, that's why they're selling him, you say we shouldn't spend £25M on Lallana because we'll only get 4 years out of him, yet you recommend we sign Fabregas for £30M who's 27 years old?

Mickey I know the EDs hate money talk, so I'll keep it short. LFC will not and should not go near Fabregas. The lad is on over 150k a week. That is in a country that doesn't have a 50% tax. We would have to smash our wage structure for him. Lallana is as good but he doesn't have 'inho' at the end of his name and played for an unfashionable club. Therefore your not rating him. Personally I would take Lalana or Shaqiri over Cesc any day of the week.

Sorry - the OP makes no sense.

Lallana was shortlisted for player of the year in EPL. Two-footed, top quality player, who will probably be a starter for England, already a teammate of Sturridge and Gerrard, who will fit into our team without a hitch.

Febregas? Not quick enough or clever enough. A Barca reject.

On numerous occasions when watching Barca last season Fabregas was in my opinion one of their poorest performers
He is slow and not what we require in midfield. One game v Real Madrid he looked embarrassingly poor and was rightly replaced
Lallana for me all day long!

Thanks for all the feed back, but because we are playing in the prem I've judged fabregas on this which means when he was at arsenal, a lot of you talk about wages, fair enough but does that make him play any better or more poorly, with inesta and xavi to try and break up in the barca team then maybe frabregas's role at barca might have been different, but I want to ask you this when fabregas played for arsenal how did you rate him and again would barca want lallana, if fabregas drops his wages which he will most probably have to do unless he goes to man city or chelski then would that make you choose him over lallana, some of you said he had a few bad games for barca, I seen them games but I also seen games where he played well and scored a few great goals,

put it another way let's take wages out of it, the transfer fee are the same, and i'm sure lallana wages will go up, so let's say they want the same wage would you fans still want lallana over fabregas, and i'm sure fabregas is a more creative player than lallana

dont get me wrong I think lallana had a great season, with him having a free role and the team playing around him and for him then like everyone else he looks a great player and had 1 great season in the prem, when at arsenal fabregas had more great seasons, that's all i'm trying to say and the soton team was built around lallana aswell

The OP is certainly correct that people are getting a bit carried away with Lallana.

I have followed Lallana's career for a few years now, and can recall when he was called the 'Messi of the Championship' and began attracting attention. But £25m is outlandish considering what he offers.

That Lallana was shortlisted for player of the year (as stated by TigerXL15) in the EPL does little to convince me tbh.

I realise that such awards are largely driven by campaigns in the English media and are voted on by footballers, who (not to be insulting) are not renowned for being an intelligent bunch. They are an easily influenced crowd for sure.

I can even recall Ryan Giggs being named footballer of the year after a media love-in campaign a few years back. He played a few average games that year, and scored a deflected goal. 'Genius' they proclaimed, 'what a player!', and the players of the EPL all ran from the tattoo shop to join the clamour (sorry, got a little sick in my mouth there). He's a 'top, top player' they said.

I'd suggest that Lallana should not even be in PFA side of the year tbh.

That David Silva was not named in the side was pretty blinkered. If their nationalities were switched, I feel that David Silva would have been in the side every time.

Tbh, I'd rather a front 3 of Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling than to play Lallana, and I reckon Coutinho has more potential at the tip of a diamond style setup.

But that said, I'd welcome the additional depth that Lallana would provide.

I totally agree that when at Arsenal Cesc was a great midfielder, considered world-class in his position.

He has not been at his best for Barca, which explains reluctance to spend a fortune on him, but bear in mind that although not at his best, and not considered primarily as an attacker, he scored and assisted more than Lallana last year (by some distance too).

Fabregas cannot play the Lucas role that Gerrard currently occupies.

Likewise, Fabregas cannot play the Hendo role, not a chance. That leaves the 3rd midfield spot up for grabs, which would indeed suit Fabregas' style.

If we were to play a diamond, we have Sterling and Coutinho to play the advanced role. Nevermind that youngsters like Suso and Teixeira are coming through also. I don't think this is Fabs best pposition at all.

In a nutshell, Fabregas is not the most versatile of players. And he would be very expensive.

I think a lot here realise that Fabregas would cost an absolute fortune. Not only in his transfer fee, but in wages too. For me, that's the real problem. The sticking point is largely financial.

If he were available for less, I would love to sign him as a starter in a midfield trio with Gerrard and Hendo, he'd be great playing there in a diamond with Coutinho/Sterling starting too imo.

A valid reason why many may state they would prefer Lallana is that they may feel we need an attacking player who can play across the wider areas upfront, or as an experienced option to play on the tip of a diamond. Someone who can help take the pressure of the likes of Coutinho and Sterling, rather than signing another central midfield player. A reasonable argument tbh.

As with the OP, I don't think Lallana is worth the money being touted either, BUT he is a good player alright, and his two-footed style could really suit our game.

I trust BRs judgement, and if we sign Lallana, I hope that he proves a great signing! Few (if any) would have foreseen the rise and rise of Sturridge, so BR has earned my trust.

I have liked his signings for bigger money (£10m+) such as Sakho, Mignolet, Allen, Borini and Sturridge and feel they all play their part in the campaign next year.

Overall, the OP 'Mickey b' does make some very valid points. I feel people are a bit blinkered with dismissing the abilities of Fabregas, and that people are overplaying Lallana's abilities, in part because he seems a likely arrival.

As the OP intimates:

If Lallana went to Spurs, would we really worry about them? I would not.

I would not lose any sleep over it either. There are a lot of players who are as good as, if not better than, Lallana, who are available for less money.

By the same token, if Fabregas were to sign, I'd bet his detractors here here would be signing a different tune, and would be giddy with excitement, hoping that Fab can bring our game up another level.

It won't happen due to finances imho, but for arguments sake, if Fabregas signed, I'd be salivating at the thought. He would walk into our starting XI.

01 Jun 2014 18:23:58
tigerxl15, arrow

watch this clip yes its on youtube but it show that your posts are wrong and tigerxl you will see fabregas scoring with his left foot, he's not to bad with his head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0_sQwfjnUk

01 Jun 2014 00:51:21
Hi eds, appreciate everything you are doing, but just wondering what the latest is on Lallana? And If we are going after Lovren, Konoplyanka, Tello?

{Ed002's Note - Nothing new and you can use the search engine for the others.}

01 Jun 2014 01:00:50
Apparently spurs have offered 22m plus Townsend who's valued at 8m for lallana, a package worth 30m.

01 Jun 2014 09:47:47
Good luck to them.

01 Jun 2014 00:09:08
Waro, regarding your question about Allen, in hindsight I wouldn't of paid £15M for him, now you can answer my question, are you really a Liverpool fan? I've never seen you post anything positive, you continuosly slate Rodgers, players and the owners, even after finishing second you don't hold your hands up and apologise, also what is your problem with FSG? they're getting us plenty of good commercial deals, they're balancing the books and they're building a competitive side.

01 Jun 2014 01:10:27
Agreed. He's a man u fan with too much time on his hands

All that negativity is ultimately self defeating

FMS, I wouldn't be surprised if one of these "so called fans" was Sydney! in disguise to be honest.

He was actually pretty approve of Dalglish so I don't think he is a man u fan. I think he is just more of a traditionalist who still mourns our fall from grace.

01 Jun 2014 09:46:06
He is a LFC alright, but I am not sure why. Like you say, all he does is find something else to criticize.

He is also quite jaundiced as he was very much in approval of KD continuing on and against Andy Carroll leaving.

31 May 2014 23:54:15
My take on the lallana situation, think he is a very good player but not sure why we would pay £20m plus for him and not sign Konoplyanka for £12m, I know different players but I can't see us signing both and I also reckon we need a flying winger more than the likes of lallana as we have similar available and coming through, Coutinho & Suso and also have sterling who can do a similar job.

I totally agree Alanhuyton.

Reports have seemingly gone cold on the Konoplyanka front.